led, headed halfway and remained in touch, rallied to regain lead approaching final furlong, ran on
in touch, led halfway, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong
dwelt and held up, driven halfway, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
behind and soon chased along, never a factor
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and edged left 2f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, driven and headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
Rare Breed gets our vote in this handicap with Welcome Approach and Blazing Heights the most likely dangers. The selection has not been seen out since last June but he did win last time out at Ayr when he got the better of Brazilian Style. That win came with cut in the ground and this lightly-raced 3-year-old remains unexposed and could therefore represent the value in this race if he is fit enough to do himself justice. Blazing Heights was a good second behind Rainbow Bay last time but that form has since taken a knock and he has yet to race on anything other than fast ground. Welcome Approach has certainly got the ability to win this but he is best on a fast surface, so today's ground conditions are a big negative against him and at the forecast odds he looks worth taking on. City For Conquest is from a yard in top form so is another to consider, but for the winner we will return to Rare Breed.
Rare Breed 2-1jt-fav (8-9) Made all, ridden over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, kept on, won at Ayr 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Jun beating Brazilian Style (8-2) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
City For Conquest (IRE) 33-1 (7-11) Went left, bumped start, behind, ridden, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Empress Jain (9-4) at Chester 5f 3yo hcp (2) gf.
Blazing Heights 6-1 (8-11) Rear, headway over 1f out, switched left entering final furlong, kept on, no extra close home, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Rainbow Bay (8-9) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Night In (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) With leader, ridden, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Ooh Aah Camara (8-8) at Chester 6f 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Welcome Approach 5-2 (9-1) Held up, ridden halfway, switched left, good headway to lead inside final furlong, won at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp (5) gf beating Highland Song (9-2) by a nk, 5 ran.
Mulligan's Gold (IRE) 5-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 8l behind Green Park (9-4) at Thirsk 5f 3yo hcp (2) hvy.
Crosby Hall 25-1 (8-9) In touch stands' side group, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 24, 5l behind Misu Bond (9-0) at Redcar 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Oct.
Hits Only Jude (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Outpaced in rear, ran on final furlong, never reached challenging position, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Terentia (9-2) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp (4) gs.
